Africa's internal conflicts complicate narrative of external oppression
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Jacob Mutisi's opinion piece highlights a complex issue in Africa: while colonial domination and racial oppression have profoundly shaped the continent, internal conflicts and xenophobia demonstrate that exploitation is not always externally imposed. The author points out that the Transatlantic Slave Trade, though driven by European powers, also involved African intermediaries. Today, xenophobic violence, particularly in South Africa targeting migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Nigeria, reflects economic strain and competition over scarce resources. Mutisi argues that redirecting frustration towards fellow Africans, rather than addressing structural problems, fractures solidarity and weakens the continent's ability to assert itself globally. The article concludes that Africa must confront both historical injustices and present contradictions, emphasizing that unity must be operational, and governments must address conditions fueling resentment and counter narratives that divide Africans.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Harare's Avenues suburb will host the Food for Life Festival at David Livingstone Primary School on May 30, organized by the Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship WIFE Trust. Founded by Nyaradzo Amanda Munyoro, the initiative focuses on women and youth within the food value chain, from production to market. Munyoro stated that the festival aims to empower women by providing a platform to share knowledge, build networks, and access opportunities, addressing the lack of recognition and support they often face. This year's event aligns with the United Nations' International Year of the Woman Farmer and emphasizes heritage-based education, celebrating indigenous knowledge and African culinary traditions. The Grassroots Project within the festival supports small-scale farmers, home-based food processors, and emerging entrepreneurs, with exhibition tables priced at US$20 and an entry fee of US$2 to ensure accessibility. Attendees can expect cooking demonstrations, traditional dishes, tasting sessions, and workshops on sustainable food systems. The festival also provides networking opportunities for collaboration and market access. Organizers envision national expansion for the festival, which launched in 2024, and are seeking partners, sponsors, volunteers, and participants.
Hardsound Systems, led by CEO Ephraim Rateiwa, is enhancing Zimbabwe's live sound industry by providing production services for concerts, festivals, churches, schools, and venue installations. The company, which started by servicing small local events, has grown through consistency, reinvestment, and a focus on reliability, expanding into larger productions. Hardsound Systems differentiates itself through professionalism, quality, continuous investment in equipment, and staff training. The company collaborates with partners, including established artists and event promoters, to enhance event delivery and extend its reach. Hardsound Systems is also expanding regionally, aiming to compete at a broader level and showcase Zimbabwean capabilities, while addressing challenges such as economic fluctuations, rising equipment costs, and competition through careful planning and operational flexibility. The company plans to expand services, invest in advanced equipment, and collaborate on larger regional projects, including developing in-house innovations like its proprietary drum set, Rigel.
Zimbabwe's tobacco marketing season has seen a significant increase in volumes, with 149.92 million kilograms sold across auction and contract floors by Day 34 of trading. This represents a 59% volume increase compared to the 93.99 million kilograms sold by the same point in 2025. However, prices have remained under pressure, with the combined average price at US$2.65 per kilogram, a 22.5% decline from last year's average of US$3.42 per kg. Auction floors recorded 8.81 million kilograms at an average of US$2.06 per kg, while contract sales accounted for 141.12 million kilograms at US$2.69 per kg. The Zimbabwe Economic Review attributes this divergence to increased supply, quality mix dynamics, and softer global demand. Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export and a key foreign currency earner, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers.
Must ReadA Zimbabwean journalist has been implicated in an espionage trial against Zambian opposition leader Fred M'membe. The case centers on a documentary produced by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation ZBC titled "The Grand Regional Scheme: How Foreign Powers and Local Elites are Destroying Africa Part 1." Testimony in the High Court of Zambia revealed that no official accreditation was granted for the Zimbabwean journalist to work in Zambia. Rosaria Lubumbashi, editor-in-chief of the Zambia News and Information Services Zanis, stated that Zanis has no record of an application for accreditation from the journalist or for the documentary. The documentary, broadcast in September 2023, featured interviews with Zambian opposition figures, including M'membe, and criticized the appointment of Nevers Mumba as chairperson of the SADC election observer mission to Zimbabwe. M'membe and four other politicians who appeared in the documentary were arrested on November 15, 2023, and charged under Zambia's State Security Act for communicating information "intended to be directly or indirectly useful to a foreign power," specifically Zimbabwe. The charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment with hard labor. M'membe has pleaded not guilty to the espionage charge.